TL;DR: Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, is a futuristic Predator film focused on a young outcast Predator and an android ally surviving on a deadly planet. It releases exclusively in theaters on November 7, 2025, with a unique story exploring Predator culture and survival themes.
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Predator: Badlands will premiere in theaters worldwide on November 7, 2025, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, 4DX, and other premium formats. Streaming is expected later on Hulu and Disney+.
Set in the far future on a dangerous alien planet, the story follows Dek, a young Predator outcast, and Thia, a legless synthetic android. They form an uneasy alliance while facing a massive unkillable beast, exploring themes of exile, survival, and unlikely friendship.
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi stars as Dek, and Elle Fanning plays Thia (also voicing a twin synthetic antagonist). Dan Trachtenberg directs, with screenwriters Patrick Aison and Brian Duffield. John Davis produces.
The film focuses on the Predator as the protagonist for the first time, delves into Predator culture on their homeworld, and features a newly developed Predator language. The story ties loosely to the Alien universe through Easter eggs.
Filmed in New Zealand with a mix of practical effects and heavy VFX. The score is composed by Sarah Schachner and Benjamin Wallfisch. The film runs about 110–120 minutes and will likely have an R rating for intense violence.
Trailers emphasize the alliance between Dek and Thia, the brutal creatures, and Predator lore. A Marvel Comics one-shot prequel will release shortly after the film, expanding the backstory.
Prior knowledge of “Prey” (2022) is helpful but not required. The film stands alone but rewards familiarity with Predator lore. Fans may also watch “Predator: Killer of Killers” animated anthology for extra context.